BIOL 2401 Anatomy and Physiology I: Course Syllabus and Structure

Study Guide - Smart Notes

Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.

Course Overview

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology I

BIOL 2401 is the first course in a two-part sequence focusing on the structure and function of the human body. The course covers cells, tissues, and organs of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and special senses systems. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships among systems and the regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis.

Course Title: Anatomy and Physiology I (Paired)
Campus: Rio Grande
Instructor: Dr. Gerardo Sanchez Gutierrez
Supplemental Instructor: Selina Huber
Required Textbook: Human Anatomy & Physiology, 12e, Elaine N. Marieb & Katja Hoehn

Course Description and Rationale

Scope and Purpose

This course is designed for students entering health professional programs. It provides foundational knowledge for clinical topics, laboratory techniques, and problem-solving skills. BIOL 2401 is a prerequisite for Introduction to Microbiology (BIOL 2420) and Anatomy & Physiology II (BIOL 2402).

Topics Covered: Cells, tissues, organs, and systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, special senses)
Emphasis: Interrelationships among systems, homeostasis, and physiological regulation
Paired Course: Biology Fundamentals (basic biological concepts, metric system, cell structure, reproduction, metabolism)

Student Learning Outcomes

Course-Level Competencies

Upon completion, students are expected to demonstrate the following skills and competencies:

Use anatomical terminology to identify and describe locations of major organs.
Explain interrelationships among molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ functions.
Describe interdependency and interactions of body systems.
Explain contributions of organs and systems to homeostasis.
Identify causes and effects of homeostatic imbalances.
Describe modern technology and tools used in anatomy and physiology.
Apply safety and ethical standards in laboratory settings.
Locate and identify anatomical structures using laboratory equipment.
Work collaboratively to perform experiments.
Demonstrate the scientific method in investigations.
Communicate results and analyze data to formulate conclusions.
Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving skills.

Course Structure and Schedule

Lecture and Laboratory Format

The course is delivered through on-campus lectures and laboratory sessions. PowerPoint lectures, e-textbook, and in-class activities are provided. Students are responsible for all materials covered in lectures, labs, and class activities.

Lecture: MW 12:00 pm - 1:20 pm
Lab: MW 1:30 pm - 2:50 pm
Instructional Methodology: Lecture and lab, with posted materials on Blackboard

Tentative Course Schedule

The course schedule aligns with the following textbook chapters:

Ch. 1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Ch. 2: Chemistry Comes Alive
Ch. 3: Cells: The Living Units
Ch. 4: Tissue: The Living Fabric
Ch. 5: The Integumentary System
Ch. 6: Bones and Skeletal Tissues
Ch. 7: The Skeleton
Ch. 8: Joints (not explicitly listed in schedule, but may be covered)
Ch. 9: Muscles and Muscle Tissue
Ch. 10: The Muscular System
Ch. 11: Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue
Ch. 12: The Central Nervous System
Ch. 13: The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity
Ch. 14: The Autonomic Nervous System
Ch. 15: The Special Senses

Each week includes lectures, labs, quizzes, exams, and clinical case studies. The schedule is structured to build foundational knowledge before progressing to more complex systems.

Grading System

Assessment Breakdown

The grading system is designed to assess both lecture and laboratory performance. The following table summarizes the point distribution:

Assessment	Number	Points Each	Total Points
Lecture Exams	5	40	200
Clinical Case Studies	5	4	20
Lecture Quizzes	5	10	50
Attendance	-	-	30
Laboratory Exams	5	30	150
Laboratory Assignments	15	2	30
Lab Quizzes	5	4	20
Total			500

Grade Scale:

500 - 450 points = A
449 - 400 points = B
399 - 350 points = C
349 - 300 points = D
299 points and below = F

Assessment Details

Lecture and Laboratory Exams

Lecture Exams: 5 exams, open-ended and short answer questions, option to select questions, regrade option (except final exam).
Lecture Quizzes: 5 quizzes, format mirrors exams, option to select questions.
Laboratory Exams: 5 exams, based on models/dissections/experiments, option to select questions, regrade option (except final exam).
Lab Quizzes: 5 quizzes, short answer questions based on lab activities, option to select questions.
Laboratory Assignments: 15 assignments, group work, graded collectively.
Clinical Case Studies: 5 case studies, application of learned content to hypothetical scenarios.
Attendance: Mandatory, unexcused absences result in point deductions.

Course Policies

Attendance and Participation

Regular and punctual attendance is required.
Notify instructor for excused absences to avoid point deductions.
Instructor may withdraw students for unsatisfactory attendance or policy violations.

Missed or Late Work

Excused absences allow for make-up assignments or extended deadlines without penalty.
No make-ups for quizzes or exams; qualified absences allow for nullification and double credit on subsequent assessments (except final set).

Withdrawals and Incompletes

Students are responsible for withdrawing from the course if needed.
Withdrawal deadlines and policies are specified by ACC.
Incompletes are granted for extenuating circumstances, with a formal process for completion.

Laboratory and Use of Organisms

Hands-On Experience

Students will use actual organisms in laboratory activities, including culturing, dissection, and examination. Participation is expected for skill development relevant to health and biological sciences.

Examples: Bacterial culturing, cat/pig/rat dissection, skeleton and pelt examination, frog physiology experiments.
Students with concerns should consult with the instructor or department officials.

Academic Integrity and Policies

Scholastic Dishonesty

Students must submit original work and follow instructions during assessments.
Violations include plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents.
Penalties range from grade reduction to expulsion.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI)

GAI permitted for initial research and idea generation, not for final submissions unless cited.
Misuse or failure to cite GAI is a breach of academic integrity.
Exceptions for accommodations are considered case-by-case.

Student Support and Safety

Support Services

Disability accommodations available through Student Accessibility Services.
Safety procedures and emergency protocols must be followed.
Student injury insurance covers lab and field course injuries.
Support resources: Food pantries, emergency funds, counseling, tutoring, and technical assistance.

Summary Table: Course Schedule and Chapter Alignment

Week	Lecture Topic	Lab Topic	Textbook Chapter
1	Atoms, Molecules, and Bonds	Lab Safety	Ch. 2
2	Biomolecules	Scientific Communication	Ch. 2
3	Cells	Metric System, Graphing	Ch. 3
4	Homeostasis	Cell Anatomy, Microscope	Ch. 3
5	Tissues	Passive Transport, Tissues	Ch. 4
6	Intro to Human Body	Intro to Human Body	Ch. 1
7	Integumentary System	Integumentary System	Ch. 5
8	Bones and Skeletal Tissues	Skeletal System	Ch. 6
9-10	Skeletal System	Muscle Tissue Histology	Ch. 7
11-12	Muscles and Muscle Tissue, Muscular System	Muscular System, Neurophysiology	Ch. 9, 10
13-14	Nervous System Fundamentals, Central Nervous System	CNS, Brain Dissection, PNS, ANS	Ch. 11, 12, 13
15-16	Autonomic Nervous System, Special Senses	Sensory Anatomy, Eye Dissection, Sensory Physiology	Ch. 14, 15

Conclusion

BIOL 2401 provides a comprehensive foundation in human anatomy and physiology, emphasizing the integration of systems and the maintenance of homeostasis. The course structure, assessments, and policies are designed to prepare students for advanced study and professional practice in health sciences.